Ralph James "Pop" Haydel

Ralph James Haydel, 82, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023. A long-term New Orleanian, Ralph was born on November 20, 1941, in Reserve, Louisiana. He was the fifth of six children of Jules and Lucille Haydel. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Donna Mae Pizzaloto Haydel, his daughters Charlene Berard (Marc) and Aileen Peterson (Paul), his five grandchildren Abbey Abadin (Cal), Mallory Bianchini (Blake), Carly Peterson (Brandt Bianchini), Meredyth Berard (William Miller), and Bryce Berard (Julia Brown), his great granddaughter Lucy Rose Abadin, his brothers Harold Haydel (Janice), Bert Haydel (Shirley), and Valerie Haydel (Debbie), his sisters Gloria Vaughan and Janice Haydel, his brother-in-law Lloyd Pizzaloto (Paula), many nieces and nephews, and his “bonus family” Shelly Margiotta (Larry), Norris Plaisance III, David Theriot, and Sidney Lapuyade. Affectionately known as Pop and Rufus, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends and watching his grandchildren grow up. Ralph attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, graduated from Cor Jesu High School in 1959 and then attended University of New Orleans. After college, Ralph served in the United States Navy from 1961 - 1964. Ralph started work in the family grocery business, at Haydel’s Red and White Supermarket, and later continued at local grocery stores in the New Orleans area until retirement. Ralph was a very dedicated and loyal employee, who had a true passion for what he did. Ralph lived life fully, authentically, and with great enthusiasm. Ralph never met anyone that did not become a longtime friend of his. For most of his life, Ralph was known as the man behind all the good cooking. He never cooked a bad meal and always had a list of people waiting for his famous “to-go” containers. Whether it be a hot sunny day, or a cold rainy night, you could always find Ralph sitting on his patio watching his westerns or cheering on his favorite sports teams – especially the LSU Tigers. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, and tending to his vegetable garden. In his later years, Ralph could be found any day of the week socializing with a cold Bud Light in his hand at Mama’s Place – his “home away from home!” Ralph was happiest spending time with all his extended family and friends. Above all, his greatest pleasure was watching and supporting his five grandchildren in all their life endeavors. They truly were Ralph’s pride and joy. The world lost a good one and many hearts are broken, but we now have the greatest legacy to honor in his name. Geaux Tigers! A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, visitation will begin at 10:00 am, on Tuesday June 20, 2023, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences, at http://www.lakelawnmetairie.com/.